Based on Larry Puckett’s DCCCorner, I attempted my first DCC install as I also had an older Atlas RS-1 in storage. I deviated from his install by adding a Stay-Alive, which made things busy in the long hood, so the “sugar cube” speaker ended up in the short hood. I also used 1, 6 Pin connector rather than the 2 and 4 Pin connectors. It worked-the first time-amazing. Thanks, Larry.
Mike:
Congratulations on your first sound install, especially with the keep alive included, and in such tight quarters. Your wiring looks nice and clean too.
One thing I have done is I have switched from using 3mm LEDs for the headlights to 0603 SMD LEDs. The advantage is that it frees a lot more space inside the shell because you don’t have the LED leads and body protruding into the open area. In your case it looks like you could have fitted two sugar cube speakers in the short cab if the LED was out of the way, assuming of course that your decoder could handle the change in impedance.
Please don’t get me wrong. I think you did a fine job on the installation. I’m absolutely not being critical.
Dave
A good looking installation; that sugar cube speaker is very compact; wish they were availible a couple of years ago when I did a couple of sound installations!
Mike–glad to see it worked out so well for you. That is a really nice looking installation. It’s always good to see that folks are actually reading the column and getting something from it. Thanks for the feedback–Larry
Dave,
Thanks for the info on the LEDs. I am amazed at the sound from that one sugar cube. I am running the volume way down-it has tons of headroom if I want to go louder. Always happy to find ways to improve my skills.
Mike
Hi Mike:
Yes, the sugar cube speakers sound pretty good by themselves. The only reason I double them is because of the theory that more/bigger speakers equals better sound, but I personally haven’t done a comparison. It would seem logical that dual speakers would give better bass tones but don’t quote me.
I also turn the volume way down on my sound units. In fact, it’s the first thing I do after installing a decoder. On my Loksounds I set it to about 30%.
One thing about using the 0603 SMD LEDs is that alignment is critical. I use 90 second epoxy to mount mine and I apply power before the glue has set so that I can get the LED directly behind the headlight lens. It’s kind of a fussy process because you have to hold the LED in place until the epoxy sets. Even the 90 second stuff seems to take forever. If you have newer equipment with dual headlights the best option is two use two LEDs because the 0603 LEDs do not diffuse the light nearly as much as the 3mm ones do.
Regards
Dave